E-Bulletin

09 Nov 2011

working to create a genuinely participative democracy

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Quick Links – click to go straight to each article:
1.	NWCN – Annual General Meeting 2011 - “Taking The North-West Forward”
2.	SIPTU Organise meeting for all Community and Voluntary Organisations
3.	‘Looking at legacy’ Community Relations Conference – Derry City Council
4.	International Community Development Conference
5.	Culture Company 2013 - Call for Facilitators
6.	Stronger Together - Building The Strength
7.	Lesser Spotted Snapper – Photographic Competition
8.	Castlederg Notes – Derg Valley Care
9.	The Northern Ireland Stroke Awards
10.	Abhaile Arís Invites you to the play “1981”
11.	ARC Centre Consultation
12.	CRC – Core Funding Programme
13.	Hedgeschool 21 – Services & Rooms available for hire in City Centre
14.	DETI - Appointment of Board Members to the Board of Invest NI
15.	Columba Celtic Heritage Support Services
16.	Social Justice Network launched

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1.	NWCN – Annual General Meeting 2011 - “Taking The North-West Forward” 12.30pm, 1 December 2011 Conference Room Ráth Mór, Bligh’s Lane, Creggan, Derry~Londonderry Themes to be addressed: · The need for Social Enterprise · Statutory responsibility for continuing peace-building · Alternative models for sustaining community activism · Meeting the educational demands/rights of our young people · Delivering on Regeneration You are asked to notify NWCN of your intention to attend as capacity is limited. All are welcome while only current NWCN members are entitled to vote on motions presented at the AGM. Email: info@nwcn.org / Tel: 028 71 279090
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2.	SIPTU Organise meeting for all Community and Voluntary Organisations City Hotel Thursday 10 November 2.00pm A large number of community and voluntary workers have already joined SIPTU and are uniting under SIPTU’s Communities against Cuts Campaign. There are a range of issues that affect the community and voluntary sector with funding cuts been the most threatening to the sector at this time but other issues are also part of the SIPTU campaign are employment rights and recognition on issues such as long term contracts, pension rights and redundancy pay. Martin O’Rourke, Organiser for SIPTU stated “ We have become increasing concerned that organisations providing vital services to the most vulnerable in society who are already operating on a “shoestring” budget are being asked to make further “efficiencies.” These essential services cannot be provided to our communities unless adequate funding is put in place. Inflation is currently running at over 5% and even if funding was provided at last year’s level this would result in a reduction in real terms of over 5%. This meeting is one of several across the local economy to ensure the community and voluntary sector can learn from the experiences of other organisations and speak and act with one collective voice. According to SIPTU The Community and Voluntary Sector only receive 45% of its operating costs from Government funding and in return for every £1.00 invested delivers £4 to the local economy. It delivers essential services at a lower cost than government agencies can, and despite this has already seen a 10% reduction in services and jobs over the last two years. Karen Mullan, Chairperson of the Western Organising Committee called upon all Community and voluntary sector organisations whether members of the Union or not to come to the meeting to mobilise together against further cuts. Karen Mullan added “The community sector is already at a major disadvantage in comparison to the public sector and even many private sector workers in terms of recognition around issues such as pensions, redundancy pay and long term contracts of employment. Over the course of the last two years upwards of 2,000 community development workers have lost their jobs in the delivery of vital services, if this occurs in any other sector there would be major outcry and there has been in the past, but loss in community development jobs, services, and its impact on the local economy as hardly received a mention in local or regional news. But as community development workers and projects we need to organise ourselves into strategic representation in the Union to protect this vital sector which has already received disproportionate cuts resulting in the most disadvantaged in our society suffering. It is time to reverse this trend and and to demand recognition from Government and other funding bodies in par with that of the public and private sectors workers, in terms of working conditions outlined. - the first step in doing so is the organisations attendance at this meeting.”
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3.	‘Looking at legacy’ Community Relations Conference – Derry City Council Derry City Council invites you to an upcoming Community Relations conference, which takes place on the 15th November 2011 in the Radisson Hotel, Limavady. This is a joint project along with Moyle, Ballymoney, Magherafelt and Limavady Councils. The title of the conference is ‘Looking at legacy’ and will explore opinions on and impacts of the past today. It has been designed to examine how issues from the past are still impacting on society today and look at what work is being done to impact these legacy issues. This event has been planned to stimulate conversations among people from diverse backgrounds on a range of issues which are pertinent to the promotion of good community relations. Conversations will take place in a workshop environment with the purpose of creating a positive and informal space to hear from individuals representing a variety of perspectives, having the opportunity to hear from and engage with individuals we might not normally have the opportunity to do. Attached are details of the event and a booking form, which must be completed in order to apply to attend the event. Applications will be accepted on a “first come first served” basis. Please complete the attached registration form and return as soon as possible. Looking at Legacy Conference 15th November 2011 Radisson Roe Park Hotel, Limavady Free (lunch included) Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Should you wish to find out more information about this event, please contact the office on 7134 5160 or 077362 13164 or angela.askin@derrycity.gov.uk
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4.	International Community Development Conference Community Work and Community Development In 2011: Global Issues, European Challenges and Irish Dimensions. The National University of Ireland, Maynooth, the Community Workers’ Cooperative and CEBSD, the European Community Development Network are pleased to announce the international Conference, Community Work and Community Development In 2011: Global Issues, European Challenges and Irish Dimensions on Wednesday November 16th 2011 from 10.00-17.00. The Conference will be held in the National University of Ireland, Maynooth and will provide a unique opportunity for connecting global concerns with Irish realities and for examining possibilities for progress in very challenging times. The Conference will include contributions from Irish, Scottish, Australian, Liberian and European participants. For more info, please click here.
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5.	Culture Company 2013 - Call for Facilitators Culture Company 2013 is seeking to create a database of freelance art facilitators for several projects that will take place from 2011 - 2013. They are looking for exceptional and innovative art practitioners from the art forms of Tai Chi, Painting, Video and photography, Crochet, Embroidery, Sewing/Quilting & textiles, Creative Writing & Poetry, Comic Art, Pottery/Ceramics, Cookery and Flag Making, Woodcarving and Mural Painting. As projects emerge, arts facilitators on the database will be called upon to deliver workshops in communities across the city. If you wish to be added to the database, please submit an updated CV to include professional qualifications, experience of working with marginalized communities/groups, training recent or otherwise that you have undertaken which is relevant to your practice and photographic evidence of completed projects. Please provide two referees from projects that you have previously completed. Please forward all CV’s to: Culture Company 2013, Building 71, Ebrington, Derry – Londonderry, BT47 1JY.
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6.	Stronger Together - Building The Strength Ultimate Interactive Event Of The Year 10am – 4pm, Wednesday 16th November 2011 Greenvale Hotel, Cookstown A one day conference for people in Northern Ireland working in the field of Race and Ethnicity. Space is limited so allocation will be on a first come basis. To reserve a place, please forward the registration form to Laura Giacani. A nominal fee of £10 per attendee will be required to help finance the conference. Contact: laura@seeds.ie / 028 71370989
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7.	Lesser Spotted Snapper – Photographic Competition On Lesser Spotted Ulster we’ve shown you more than 100 programmes featuring many beautiful and unusual places. And now we’d like to see some of the unfamiliar nooks and crannies that you love best as we search for Ulster’s Lesser Spotted Snapper. To enter this exciting competition, just send a snap of your favourite spot or best-loved view ... Upload your picture using the form available at http://www.u.tv/snapper/default.aspx and be in with the chance of winning a cash prize of £500. You should be aged 16 or over to enter and your photos must be with us by 30th November 2011. So get snapping now and you could become the Lesser Spotted Snapper of 2011. Please read the specific terms and conditions for this competition and UTV’s standard T&Cs.
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8.	Castlederg Notes – Derg Valley Care Would you like to learn skills to help Individuals experiencing alcohol/drug related harm, and develop a working understanding of the Motivational Interviewing approach and its use in a helpful conversation? We have a three day course to teach these skills on Tues 22nd & 29th November & Tuesday 6th December in Castlederg healthy Living Centre. Contact Janet to book your place on the course, 02881670764. Do you have a disability or know/care for someone who does? You are invited to come along to our Disability Health Fair on Thursday 1st December to try all the latest aids and gadgets and learn more about the support out there for your loved ones. Bring your friends for free Complimentary Therapies, a hot bowl of stew at lunch and receive free health checks at your leisure (BP, Blood sugars, Cholesterol, Lung capacity etc) Ring Janet 0n 81670764 for more details. EVERYONE WELCOME. Visual Awareness Training is due to take place on Monday 21st November. Do you work with or support somebody who is blind or partially sighted? A one and a half hour workshop will give you the knowledge and skills to support others and understand a range of eye conditions. This is a good opportunity to have your questions answered and any issues explained. To register your interest please call Janet on 028 816 70764. Would you like to learn skills to help Individuals experiencing alcohol/drug related harm, and develop a working understanding of the Motivational Interviewing approach and its use in a helpful conversation? We have a three day course to teach these skills on Tues 22nd & 29th November & Tuesday 6th December in Castlederg healthy Living Centre. Contact Janet to book your place on the course, 02881670764. Do you have a disability or know/care for someone who does? You are invited to come along to our Disability Health Fair on Thursday 1st December to try all the latest aids and gadgets and learn more about the support out there for your loved ones. Bring your friends for free Complimentary Therapies, a hot bowl of stew at lunch and receive free health checks at your leisure (BP, Blood sugars, Cholesterol, Lung capacity etc) Ring Janet 0n 81670764 for more details. EVERYONE WELCOME.
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9.	The Northern Ireland Stroke Awards The Stroke Association Northern Ireland is hosting Northern Ireland’s first Stroke Awards in 2012. Do you know someone who deserves recognition for their outstanding work or courage in Stroke? The Stroke Association are inviting nominations for nominations for these awards and are urging people to nominate worthy recipients in the following categories: · Youth Courage Award (Up to Age 16). · Adult Courage Award (Working Age). · Adult Courage Award (Age 65+). · Carer of the Year · Volunteer of the Year · Fundraiser of the Year · Art in Stroke Award · Professional Excellence Nominations can be made at www.stroke.org.uk/n.i.awards and the closing date for nominations is 21st December 2011.
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10.	Abhaile Arís Invites you to the play “1981” 8pm, Wednesday 16th November 2011 Balor Theatre, Ballybofey * FREE ADMISSION * The Play is based on the 1981 Hunger Strike and is performed by Tony Devlin who has starred in the Film H3. Tony has decided to approach the Play from a different perspective than how the hunger strikes have been depicted in films and the arts in the past. He looks behind the headlines and seeks to find out who the men really were. About their childhoods, their relationships, likes, dislikes, personalities, characteristics and what ultimately motivated them to make the supreme sacrifice.
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11.	ARC Centre Consultation Thursday 17th November 10.30am -12.30am Conference Centre, Northwest Business Park, Skeoge Industrial Estate, Derry Greater Shantallow Community Arts invites you to the second phase of its public consultation on the proposal to develop the “ARC Centre” a first of its kind, fit for purpose community arts facility here in the Outer North area of Derry. Following on from the very successful initial public consultation process we have developed the project further and would welcome you attendance at this next important stage of consultation during which we will be seeking your views on how the project has developed. We believe the development of the ARC Centre can act as a catalyst for regeneration within the Outer North area and therefore your input at this vital time in its development would be greatly appreciated. We hope you can join us at this important event. Everyone is extremely welcome to attend.
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12.	CRC – Core Funding Programme The Community Relations Council (CRC) welcomes applications to its Core Funding Programme for work commencing in April 2012. This Core Funding Programme is designed to support voluntary and community organisations to develop community relations work, in a strategic manner, on a regional basis. Support is specifically targeted at work with adults to combat sectarianism in Northern Ireland on a strategic, long term basis. Further information and the application form can be downloaded from the CRC website at www.nicrc.org.uk or on request from the Core Funding Officer by telephoning 028 9022 7500. Please note there are two deadlines for the submission of an application to the Core Funding Programme: • Renewal groups: 4.00pm, 28th October 2011 (lapsed) • New applicant groups: 4.00pm, 25th November 2011
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13.	Hedgeschool 21 – Services & Rooms available for hire in City Centre Hedgeschool 21 has two rooms at 11 Castle Street that are available for hire at £10 an hour for meetings and gatherings. For regular use we are happy to negotiate lower rates. Attached are photographs of the rooms. The first room is known as the 'sitting-room'. We have worked to make the room as comfortable and as sociable as possible. As the name suggests, we have modelled it on a sitting room rather than an office space. We have a number of sofa chairs and soft office chairs in the room, and the room can fit up to 20 people. The room is equipped with a convection heater and two wall heaters, and there is a kettle available for use. The second room is a study library, with a long table, which can comfortably seat up to 8 people at a time. A convection heater and a wall heater are available for this room. Hedgeschool 21 hopes these spaces will be of use to local community groups. 11 Castle Street houses a number of Community Interest Companies and we are keen to make the building amenable to other community groups in the city in whatever ways we can. Contact: Anthony McCann Director, Hedgeschool21 CIC http://www.hedgeschool21.com
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14.	DETI - Appointment of Board Members to the Board of Invest NI The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment is seeking to appoint three Board Members to the Board of Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI), one of whom has a university research and development and innovation background. The appointments, which will be effective from 1 April 2012, will be for a three year term and may be renewable for a second term. Remuneration of £11,633 a year is payable. The time commitment is approximately 2 to 3 days per month. An application pack with full details may be obtained from: DETI, Public Appointments Unit, Netherleigh, Massey Avenue, Belfast BT4 2JP Tel: (028) 9052 9214 or (028) 9052 9282 Textphone: (028) 9052 9304 Email: pau@detini.gov.uk / Web: www.detini.gov.uk Application packs can be made available on request in other formats such as braille, large print, audio, etc. All reasonable adjustments will be made to accommodate the needs of applicants/candidates with a disability. The closing date for applications is noon on Friday 2 December 2011. Late applications will not be accepted.
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15.	Columba Celtic Heritage Support Services ‘Illuminating The Word’ at IOSAS Centre (Max 12 places) 6 week course on Saturdays 11.00am – 1.00pm, 5th Nov – 11th Dec Developing the Art of Writing and Decorating, Celebrating our Common Heritage. Inspired by The Celtic Saints of the Golden Age, writers of the Book of Kells and Durrow. Come along and learn a new skill. IOSAS Centre is situated on the Lenamore Road on the Derry/Donegal border in beautiful Inishowen, just 10 minutes drive from the centre of the Maiden City. If interested contact Thomas or Ann at Columba House 02871262407 Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm / email columbacommunity@hotmail.com.
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16.	Social Justice Network launched On the 43rd anniversary of Derry’s first civil rights march in 1968, key organisers of that historic event were amongst a well-attended private function, held in the city on October 5th. At the end of a period of lively and enlightening discussions, the attendance unanimously passed the following resolution: ‘’that this gathering supports the proposal to establish a grass-roots, cross-community, anti-sectarian and non-party political Social Justice Network, to promote human rights and civil liberties’’ The gathering spent little time in retrospection, preferring to focus on current issues, which they felt should be of major public concern. Among the speakers were four representatives of loyalist groups in Derry and Belfast whose verbal contributions, and distributed leaflets, reflected the concerns of the Shankill-based group, FAST – Families Against Show Trials. The chairperson, Tomas Timoney, a cross-community activist opened the proceedings by commenting: ‘’ It is encouraging to see this type of working-class dialogue on diverse, and at times controversial topics such as the re-emergence of dubious judicial mechanisms that cater for ‘super-grass’ testimonies. Such bodes ill for the our collective future as such can only be described as retrograde steps that speak volumes for what passes for a system of justice in these parts. In this context we fully support FAST and other groups and individuals within all communities who challenge the status quo when hey feel their rights to truth and proper justice are, or have been, undermined or denied.’’ The platform address came from local author and historian, Fionnbarra O’Dochartaigh. He referred to the ever-deepening recession and the recent one-day strike by health and education workers, which he asserted was ‘’not to enhance their own wage-packets, but on the contrary, without selfish motives, had taken such action to alert the public to cut-backs, which, are all too often being disguised as ‘reforms’. He asserted that, ‘’the supposedly progressive description of ‘reform’ is an insult to our individual and collective intelligence’’. Other thought-provoking contributions included those delivered by the civil rights leader Ivan Cooper who was Minister for Community Relations in the ill-fated 1974 power-sharing executive; Dr. David Latimer of First Derry Presbyterian Church, family members of Bloody Sunday victims, Dr. Anne McCloskey of the Irish National Congress, Ken Wilkinson, FAST, Belfast, the feminist and campaigning journalist Nell McCafferty, in addition to testimonies of former defendants at ‘super-grass trials’ and former political prisoners.
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Neola Nelis McCrossan North-West Community Network 12-14 The Diamond Derry~Londonderry BT48 6HW Tel. (028) 7127 9090 Email neola@nwcn.org Website www.nwcn.org		...working to create a genuinely participative democracy...
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NWCN is a membership organisation for community & voluntary groups in the North-West, click here for a membership form for 2011-2012.
North-West Community Network receives core funding through the Community Investment Fund (DSD).